Hey all,

First post here.

I've been searching for instructions/procedure on how to remove the insturment cluster on my 2006 6.0 Superduty. My odometer has been showing the classic signs of a cold solder joint, cutting in and out constantly. It's been doing this for a couple of years, and I've taken it to the dealership, since it's still under warranty, however they were not able to find the problem since they were not able to witness the lighting go off and on. I figured I'd just do it myself and not even bother with the dealership if I don't have to. I've read the threads on how to fix the issue, however, everything I've found is for 2004 or older models. Are there any threads specific to the 2006? Or, is the instrument cluster on the 2006 the same as another year model? Maybe I can find this info. there.

Thanks for any help.

 

I recently removed mine to replace some burnt out bulbs. I found some instructions on here before - I'll try and locate again to post.

Basically what I did was:

1. lower steering column to lowest position & shift into lowest gear (w/ P-brake on)
2. grab a hold of he panel, starting at the drivers door and gradually pull around the edge. There are no screws, just snaps that hold it in.
3. Once loose, remove all of the electrical connectors. Each is a unique shape.
4. It then took a little maneuvering to clear the steering column and the rest of the dash, but eventually it comes out.
5. Now you have access to the instrument cluster, which is held in by 4 screws. Remove these
6. At the top of the cluster are 2 electrical plugs with a lever that you flip to remove.
7. At the bottom, the transmission position indicator can be unsnapped.
8. Now you can remove the cluster from the dash.

I was a little nervous doing it the first time, but it is a lot simpler than what I had to do on other cars.

 

Thanks for the feedback, I had a suspicion that it was snap in, but I didn't know for sure. I'll tear into it this weekend, hopefully all goes well.

Thanks again!!

 

Well, I just finished up the project. All went well. Scott, thank you for your input. Everything came apart just as you explained it. Once I had the cluster removed from the dash, I had to take off the thin plastic membrane that is clipped on to the back side of the cluster, which covers the PCB. I searched over the entire PCB for about 15-20 minutes with a magnifying glass, and sure enough, there it was, a broken solder connection.

After I re-soldered the connection, I proceeded to replace the thin plastic membrane that covers the PCB, and I noticed that the connector I had just soldered, was poking right through the plastic membrane. This is obviously what caused the solder joint to break loose. The solder joint was close to the edge of the PCB, right next to the clip that holds down the plastic membrane. The clip held the plastic down so close to the PCB, is cause the soldered connection to puncture right through the membrane. This time I left the membrane out from under this particular clip to prevent it from making contact with the solder joint. Hopefully this will prevent this from happening again.

Thanks again for the help!!

 

I'm glad it worked for you.

Were you having issues with the gauges or the lights?

 

All the gages and lights are working fine, it was just the odo giving me trouble.

However, while I had it out, I twisted a couple of the light sockets behind the fuel and oil pressure gage, now the lights are out in those two spots. Seems I may have inadvertently unplugged a couple of lights.

Oh well, at least I know how to fix it now.

 

I had the same issue (intermittent odometer). I followed OP's advice when looking for the cold solder. I examined the solder joints that looked like they came in contact with the plastic. Sure enough I found the cold solder and was able to repair it, fixing the intermittent odometer issue. Old post but wanted to say thank you for the advice and that this works.

 

Hey seat check glad you found it. Also glad you found this old post and brought it up. I made a copy of it. Never had to do it BUT tomorrow is a different day. Thanks for posting.

 

Not a problem. This forum has taught me a **** ton about the 6.0, I'm happy to be able give back.

 

do you guys have pics of how you did this im having an issue with my odometer cutting in and out when it wants. i know this is an old post. this is the only one i have found stating the same issue i am having. thanks in advance